Haines passes half-way mark ahead of 3rd marathon

(CNS): With another $100,000 pledged for Derek Haines’ six marathon challenge for Cayman Hospice, the veteran distance runner has soared passed the halfway point on the road to his $1million target as he limbers up for his next 26 plus mile slog. Haines will be in Pamplona, Spain, this weekend pounding the pavement with his daughter Lizzy who will be keeping her dad company as he takes on his third marathon in the six that he hopes to complete before the year end. So far he has clocked up runs in Paris and London but Hanes will continue to wear out his trainers as long as donors keep pledging the cash to help build the Hospice’s much needed inpatient facility.

“I am looking forward to the race, particularly as I have my daughter Lizzy running with me,” haines said ahead of the race this week. “Also good support from Cayman with wife Helen, Chris and Merja Johnson together with Peter and Julia Kandiah coming along; although as a major donor Peter is probably making sure I run.”

The Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association (CIREBA) was the latest organisation to pledge a significant donation after offering $100,000 which has pushed the donation level to more than $577k.

“This is a tremendous boost and will certainly put an extra spring in my step when I run the Pamplona marathon,” Haines said. “It promises to be a fun weekend but the generous pledge from CIREBA makes it so much better. Knowing we are over 50% of the way to our $1million goal by the halfway point in races to be run gives me a fantastic feeling.

"CIREBA are part of our community and this is a huge effort by the members for all of the Cayman population. It is wonderful news and I am very grateful to all of them; as I am to all of our donors whatever the contribution" he added.

For more information on Haines' challenge or to pledge money visit the dedicated website: http://six4hospice.com/